Amazing Salkantay – Wayllabamba – Machupicchu 04 Days / 03 Nights
Experience the Magic of the Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek
The Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek to Machu Picchu is an incredible adventure that offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and historical exploration. Whether you are drawn by the breathtaking scenery, the challenge of high-altitude trekking, or the thrill of reaching Machu Picchu through an alternative route, this trek will leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you are ready to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, book your Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek today and experience the Andes in a way few travelers do.
Trip Details
- Hightlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
- DAY 01: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA – JAPANESE PAMPA
- DAY 02: JAPANESE PAMPA – INCA CHIRIASCA – INCA CANAL – PAUCARCANCHA
- DAY 03: PAUCARCANCHA – CHALLACANCHA – KM82 – OLLANTAYTAMBO
- DAY 04: VISIT TO THE MACHU PICCHU CITADEL
Itinerary
DAY 01: SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PAMPA - PAMPA JAPONESA
Amazing Adventures starts at 5:00 am with the respective pick-up from your hotel, arriving in the town of Mollepata around 8:00 am, where you can have breakfast, use restroom facilities, and more. The transportation will then continue the journey to the town of Soraypampa, where the hike begins towards the Humantay Lagoon for about 2 hours to observe the turquoise lagoon beneath the snow-capped mountain. Later, we’ll have lunch at Salkantay Pampa before continuing uphill for about 2.5 hours to Pampa Japonesa. In the evening, we’ll have dinner around Pampa Japonesa. It is recommended to wear warm clothing as the campsite is located at 3900 meters above sea level.
DAY 02: PAMPA JAPONESA - INCA CHIRIASCA - CANAL INCA - PAUCARCANCHA
We start the day with a wake-up tea and breakfast, continuing the uphill hike, passing through Pampa Japonesa and reaching the Inca Chiriasca pass at an altitude of approximately 5000 meters, where we’ll get a glimpse of the local flora, fauna, and the Soraypampa Valley. After descending for about two hours, we’ll have lunch. Continuing the hike, we’ll catch a distant view of the Inca Canal, which was constructed during the Inca era and will be our campsite for the second night. Dinner will be served in the evening. Recommended: Bring winter clothing.
DAY 03: PAUCARCANCHA - CHALLACANCHA - KM82 - OLLANTAYTAMBO
We start the day with a nourishing breakfast, observing part of the Traditional Inca Trail, a variety of lush flora and fauna, pleasant warm climate, magnificent Inca architecture at Llactapata, and unforgettable landscapes until we reach km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. From there, we’ll board a local transportation to reach the train station in Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we’ll have dinner. In the evening, we’ll board the train to the town of Machu Picchu, where we’ll stay overnight at a hotel.
DAY 04: VISIT TO THE LLACTA DE MACHUPICCHU
After breakfast, we’ll take the Consettur bus according to the scheduled entrance time to the Machu Picchu site. We’ll have a 2-hour guided tour of the site where you’ll learn about Inca culture and visit the designated areas. It is recommended to choose routes 1, 2, or 3 (subject to availability) and if you intend to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain, make an advance reservation (subject to availability and regulations set by the government) as the visit will be self-guided for the mountain climb. After coordinating and completing your visit to the Machu Picchu citadel, we’ll take the Consettur bus to have lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo (lunch at your own expense). In the afternoon, we’ll board the train for the return journey to Ollantaytambo.
In Ollantaytambo, a transfer will be waiting to take us back to Cusco by bus.
What's included?
Included
- Transportation to Mollepata
- Guided service
- Entrance to Archaeological Sites
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Local transportation (to Ollantaytambo)
- Train ticket (Expedition) – Round trip
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket – Consettur (up and down)
- Return transportation – Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco or from the agency)
- 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and dinner on the last day
- Mineral water
- Personal hygiene items
Book your Amazing Salkantay – Wayllabamba – Machupicchu 04 Days / 03 Nights
Please send us your trek details, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Salkantay Wayllabamba Machu Picchu Trek: A 4-Day Adventure
The Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek is an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, offering an extraordinary mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and an adventurous challenge. As an alternative to the Inca Trail, this trek takes you across snow-capped peaks, lush cloud forests, and ancient Incan paths, providing an unparalleled trekking experience that culminates at the majestic Machu Picchu.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or an adventurer seeking a unique route to the Lost City of the Incas, the Salkantay Wayllabamba route will reward you with awe-inspiring views, encounters with local Quechua communities, and a deep connection with nature.
Why Choose this Trek?
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, which requires permits and can be overcrowded, the Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek offers a less-traveled, more immersive experience in the Andean wilderness. This trail is perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and explore off-the-beaten-path routes leading to Machu Picchu.
1. Unmatched Scenic Diversity
The journey features stunning landscapes, from the high-altitude Salkantay Pass (4,650m / 15,255ft) with its dramatic snow-covered peaks to the lush subtropical forests of Wayllabamba. Along the way, you’ll witness a variety of ecosystems, making it one of the most diverse trekking routes in Peru.
2. Connection with Incan History
This route follows ancient Incan trails, some of which were once used by messengers (chasquis) of the Inca Empire. As you traverse these paths, you’ll see well-preserved Incan ruins, stone staircases, and agricultural terraces that highlight the engineering marvels of this civilization.
3. Fewer Crowds, More Authenticity
The Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek is much quieter than the traditional Inca Trail, allowing for a more personal and peaceful trekking experience. Instead of crowded campsites, you’ll enjoy serene Andean landscapes and the tranquility of the mountains.
4. Immersion in Andean Culture
Passing through remote Quechua villages, you’ll have the chance to interact with local communities who have preserved their traditional way of life. Learn about Andean farming techniques, textiles, and customs, adding a cultural dimension to your adventure.
5. Spectacular Wildlife and Flora
The Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek takes you through regions rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above, spectacled bears in the forests, and vibrant orchids along the trails. This trek offers excellent opportunities for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Best Time to Hike the Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek
The ideal time to embark on this trek is during the dry season (April to October), when weather conditions are more favorable, and the skies are clearer. However, even in the dry season, temperatures can drop significantly at night in the higher-altitude regions, so proper gear is essential.
During the rainy season (November to March), trails can become muddy, and visibility may be reduced, but the landscapes remain lush and vibrant. If you don’t mind some rain, this season can also provide a unique trekking experience with fewer tourists.
Physical Preparation and Difficulty Level
The Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek is considered moderately to highly challenging, as it involves steep ascents, high altitudes, and long hiking days. Proper physical preparation is crucial to fully enjoy the journey. Some tips for preparation include:
- Acclimatize in Cusco (3,400m / 11,152ft) for at least two days before starting the trek.
- Train with long hikes to improve endurance, focusing on uphill and downhill trails.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals to maintain energy levels.
- Pack the right gear, including trekking poles, warm clothing, and sturdy hiking boots.
Book Your Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek Now!
Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the most breathtaking treks in the Andes! The Salkantay Wayllabamba Trek is the perfect adventure for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers looking for an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.
Secure your spot today and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience through stunning landscapes, ancient Incan trails, and remote Andean villages.